Slow Cooker Racially Diverse Chili with Mixed Beans and Spices

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

A rich and flavorful chili combining a variety of beans and a blend of spices that celebrates the diversity of America’s culinary influences. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs ground beef, canned kidney beans, canned black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup, drained and rinsed canned kidney beans
• 1 cup, drained and rinsed canned black beans
• 1 cup, drained and rinsed canned pinto beans
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

The slow cooker we’d leave this in all day → Best Slow Cookers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker and add 1 cup each of drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup water. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
5. Step 5: Stir before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper to taste.